24 HIV & LGBTI Heroes To Be Honoured At Bangkok World AIDS Day Gala

Bangkok, 25 Oct 2018: A diverse and inspirational mix of 24 people and organisations from across Asia and the Pacific have been selected as finalists for this year’s HERO Awards, a gala World AIDS Day fundraising event taking place at Bangkok’s British Embassy in November.

Standing for HIV, Equality and Rights, the HERO Awards is an annual event which acknowledges outstanding service to the HIV response in Asia and the Pacific, and to the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities. The event is also a fundraiser for the Bangkok-based APCOM Foundation, a leading NGO which works to fight HIV and advance LGBT health and rights across the Asia Pacific region. The Awards are being supported by a range of corporate sponsors, community organisations and diplomatic missions.

The 24 finalists have been selected from over 200 nominations across eight (8) categories submitted by community members throughout the region, with judging panels selecting three (3) finalists and one (1) winner for each category. The recipients of each of the eight awards will be presented with their prize at a gala ceremony and cocktail party on Friday 30 November at the British Embassy.

APCOM Executive Director Midnight Poonkasetwattana: “The judges were impressed by the calibre and variety of nominations from right across the region. They noted that selecting the finalists was a difficult process because the achievements and contributions of all the nominees were remarkable in their own way. However, the judges agreed that the finalists they selected exhibited a truly outstanding commitment to advancing the health and rights of LGBTI people and people affected by HIV, and they deserved to be recognised for their efforts,”

“Everyday heroes from right across the Asia Pacific region are doing extraordinary work in their local communities to help improve the lives of others. The HERO Awards provides a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on some of these community champions as well as the issues to which they’re responding. Congratulations to all the finalists, and I encourage members and supporters of Bangkok’s LGBTI community to join us at the British Embassy on the eve of World AIDS Day to honour and celebrate the work of these remarkable people and organisations.”

Up to 300 guests will gather in the grand and historic Ambassador’s residence at the British Embassy for an inspirational awards ceremony and fabulously fun cocktail reception with delicious canapes accompanied by champagne, fine wines and premium beer. There’ll be great live entertainment from singers, musicians and performers as well as a fundraising auction with over US$30,000 worth of holidays, fashion, art and dining up for grabs at bargain prices.

Jean Chong (Singapore): Has dedicated over 18 years to delivering outstanding LGBT advocacy in Singapore, across the Asia Pacific region and around the world.

Rosanna Flamer-Caldera (Sri Lanka): Has devoted over 20 years to exceptional LGBT activism in Sri Lanka as well as internationally through her past leadership of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association.

Kencho Tshering (Bhutan): Has delivered over 15 years of remarkable service to LGBT communities and people affected by HIV in Bhutan.

Transgender Hero

Nisha Ayub (Malaysia): dedicated transgender activist with over 20 years of work defending the rights of transgender people who are persecuted under sharia law in the various states of Malaysia.

Thenu Ranketh (Sri Lanka): powerful advocate with over 10 years’ service advancing the health and rights of transgender people in Sri Lanka.

Simran Shaikh (India): influential and high-profile transgender rights activist with over 20 years of service to improving the health and rights of transgender people in India.

HIV Hero

Jyoti Dhawale (India): inspirational role model, advocate and online campaigner with over 7 years of service to improving the health and rights of people and communities affected by HIV in India.

Nazarius Celsus Dorus (Malaysia): passionate advocate for people with HIV with over 7 years of outstanding community service in Kula Lumpur and Malaysia

Nguyen Anh Phong (Vietnam): exceptional HIV activist and care provider with over 10 years of service to people with HIV in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam

Social Justice Hero

Jonggeol Lee (South Korea): has delivered over 15 years of outstanding advocacy and leadership of the campaign for LGBT rights in South Korea

Ken Moala (Oceania): trailblazing advocate for LGBT health and rights with over 25 years of outstanding activism to advance the rights of LGBT people across Oceania

Anjana Suvarnananda (Thailand): has provided over 25 years of exceptional and pioneering advocacy for the rights of LGBT people in Thailand

Health & Wellbeing Hero

Roy Chan (Singapore): has provided over 20 years of exceptional service to people and communities affected by HIV in Singapore through his work with and leadership of Action for AIDS Singapore.

Dr Yogi Prasetia (Indonesia): has delivered over 10 years of outstanding clinical service and support to gay men, men who have sex with men and other people affected by HIV in Bali in Indonesia.

Dr Nguyen Thuan (Vietnam): has dedicated over 20 years to caring for the health and wellbeing of gay men, men who have sex with men and other LGBT people in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.

Community Ally

Georgia Chao (Taiwan): for over 20 years has provided vital support, advocacy and networks for LGBT people and their parents in Taiwan.

Anand Grover (India): has provided over 20 years of exceptional service as an LGBT rights and HIV advocate in India, especially in relation to recently successful efforts to repeal Indian laws criminalizing homosexuality.

Surang Janyam (Thailand): has delivered over 15 years of outstanding service dedicated to improving the health and rights of female and male sex workers in Thailand, especially in relation to HIV.

Community Organisation

Blue Veins (Pakistan): esteemed transgender organization with a 20-year history of providing advocacy and support for transgender people in Pakistan.

Love Yourself (Philippines): groundbreaking and innovative community organisation with over 7 years of dedicated service to improving the health and wellbeing of young men who have sex with men in the Philippines

PT Foundation (Malaysia): pioneering and internationally respected provider of care, support, education and advocacy for people affected by HIV in Malaysia.

Young Achiever

Justin Francis Bionat (Philippines): outstanding LGBT activist with contributions to LGBT pride and visibility in the Philippines and across the Asia Pacific region.